Defining Electric Cars
History of the Electric Cars
How They Work
Conventional Hybrid-Electric Vehicles
Hybrid Electric Vehicles use both gas and electricity in a dual-fuel system. Cars typically use a lot of gas when coming to a stop or picking up speed after a stop. The electric motor is used to eliminate the siphoning of gas at these particular times. The electric motor is used from when a car is idle until 30- 40 mph. Passed 40 miles, the other half of the hybrid system known as the internal combustion engine takes over. The hybrid gets its name from being able to use the electrical motor and the combustion engine. It also charges the battery by using the kinetic energy from braking and redirecting that energy back to the engine. An example of a hybrid would be the Toyota Prius.
Plug-in Hybrid-Electric Vehicles
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles are similar to the hybrid. It differs in the fact that it has a larger battery. The larger battery holds a longer charge making it possible to not use the internal combustion engine for a greater period of time. As long as the car isn’t used passed the point of its all-electric range, the Plug-In Hybrid is able to not use any gas. One criticism that Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles receive is about how long it takes for the battery to charge. Due to the fact that it has a high capacity battery, fully charging the battery takes a while. It’s designed to be charged at night when people are sleep. An example of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles is the Chevy Fusion.
Battery-Electric Vehicles
Sustainability
References